Southern Hills chief exec resigns

Michelle Swafford

Friday, March 4, 2005 | 11:10 a.m.

Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center Chief Executive Ken Armstrong resigned this week.

In a letter to employees and physicians, Armstrong called his decision "bittersweet" and said his last day with the hospital will be March 12.

He said the decision was best for his family and the hospital, which he saw through its opening and first year.

"I have been exceptionally blessed in life and I am now able to retire early and have a more active part in my younger children and grandchildren's lives," the 45-year-old said in his letter. "I share these personal circumstances with you because my resignation is in no way related to the union elections. In fact, I have remained here, despite the absence of my family, specifically to avoid any undue disruption to the hospital at an already critical time."

HCA Inc.'s Southern Hills Hospital's registered nurses and service and maintenance employees voted Monday in favor of Service Employees International Union Local 1107 representation.

Hospital spokeswoman Annette Kinsman said the hospital is considering CEO candidates. The new CEO must be approved by the hospital's board of trustees.